Gaming apparatus with bonus award

ABSTRACT

Gaming apparatus ( 100 ) including (a) a symbol display area ( 224 ), which displays a plurality of symbols; (b) a symbol selection component ( 300 ), which selects symbols from amongst a predefined set of symbols, and arranges for them to be displayed on the symbol display area; (c) a win-indicating component ( 302 ), which indicates a win when the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a winning combination according to preselected rules; (d) a bonus-indicating component ( 304 ), which indicates a bonus substitute period when the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a bonus-triggering combination according to preselected rules; (e) a substitute symbol insertion component ( 306 ), which arranges for insertion of one or more substitute symbols into the symbol display area when a bonus substitute period is indicated; wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to gaming apparatus. It relates particularly to gaming apparatus which displays a random arrangement of symbols and awards a win based on a pattern of symbols which complies with a predetermined set of rules.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

One of the most common types of gaming apparatus is a slot machine, also known as a poker machine or a fruit machine. Classically, a slot machine is a coin-operated machine with three or more reels that rotate when a lever on the side of the machine is pulled. The machine typically pays off based on patterns of matching symbols visible on the front of the machine when it stops. More contemporary slot machines use a video display in place of rotating reels to display symbols, although the images shown on the video display are usually designed to imitate the appearance of rotating reels.

A “spin” typically involves inserting money into a slot, or in more contemporary machines providing a payment such as an electronic payment and selecting a stake amount, and then pulling a handle, pressing a button or in some other way activating the machine, which then causes the reels to rotate (or the simulated reels to simulate rotation) or some other movement of symbols (for example dropping something into a bucket or a spinning action on each symbol as opposed to the spinning of the reels) before coming to rest and displaying a pattern of symbols.

It will be appreciated that the use of a slot machine can become quite repetitive, so variations in the manner of play are sometimes introduced in order to improve the entertainment provided. A common type of variation is a “free spin”, in which the player is awarded one or more free spins after playing a predetermined number of losing spins, or when a predetermined triggering event occurs. In another example, a free spin occurs after having achieved a display pattern of symbols which does not qualify for a “win” according to the predetermined rules of the game, but which does qualify for a free spin However, the use of free spins is disadvantageous from the machine owner's point of view because it results in reduced revenue. From the player's point of view, the degree of excitement generated by a free spin is relatively small because a free spin has no lasting value, and the free spin is typically identical to a paid spin apart from the insertion of money or wagering of a new stake.

A reference herein to a document or other matter which is described as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided gaming apparatus including:

-   -   (a) a symbol display area, which displays a plurality of         symbols;     -   (b) a symbol selection component, which selects symbols from         amongst a predefined set of symbols, and arranges for them to be         displayed on the symbol display area;     -   (c) a win-indicating component, which indicates a win when the         symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes         a winning combination according to preselected rules;     -   (d) a bonus-indicating component, which indicates a bonus         substitute period when the symbol display area displays a         pattern of symbols which includes a bonus-triggering combination         according to preselected rules;     -   (e) a substitute symbol insertion component, which arranges for         insertion of one or more substitute symbols into the symbol         display area when a bonus substitute period is indicated;

wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win.

Optionally, the gaming apparatus may include a stake selection component which enables a player to select different amounts to wager as a stake on different games. This enables the player to set a higher stake when a bonus substitute period is indicated, which is desirable from the player's point of view because the probability of winning is higher during a bonus substitute period.

A bonus-triggering combination may be any suitable combination of symbols. In preferred arrangements, a bonus-triggering combination consists of one or more trigger symbols. The length of the bonus substitute period and/or the number of substitute symbols available during a bonus substitute period can be determined by one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) the number of trigger symbols in the symbol display area     -   (b) the arrangement of trigger symbols in the symbol display         area     -   (c) a trigger symbol and a multiplier symbol in the symbol         display area     -   (d) the amount of a stake wagered in respect of a win.

In one arrangement of the invention, the symbols appearing in the symbol display area are arranged in rows and columns, and when substitute symbols are inserted, they fill one or more complete columns.

In one arrangement of the invention, the one or more substitute symbols are shown outside the symbol display area during a bonus substitute period and appear to fly into the symbol display area when a pattern of symbols is displayed.

In one arrangement of the invention, the substitute symbols are added as an extra column to the columns displayed in the symbol display area.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of processing win outcomes for a player on gaming apparatus which includes a symbol display area, the method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) the gaming apparatus selecting symbols from amongst a         predefined set of symbols, and displaying them on the symbol         display area;     -   (b) the gaming apparatus indicating a win if the symbol display         area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a winning         combination according to preselected rules;     -   (c) the gaming apparatus indicating a bonus substitute period if         the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which         includes a bonus-triggering combination according to preselected         rules; and     -   (d) when a bonus substitute period is indicated, the gaming         apparatus arranging for insertion of one or more substitute         symbols into the symbol display area; wherein the insertion of         substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the         probability of a win.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus including:

-   -   (a) a symbol display area, which displays a plurality of         symbols;     -   (b) a symbol selection component, which selects symbols from         amongst a predefined set of symbols, and arranges for them to be         displayed on the symbol display area;     -   (c) a win-indicating component, which indicates a win when the         symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes         a winning combination according to preselected rules;     -   (d) a symbol-purchasing component, which indicates that one or         more substitute symbols may be purchased;     -   (e) a substitute symbol insertion component, which arranges for         insertion of one or more substitute symbols into the symbol         display area when a substitute symbol has been purchased;

wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of processing win outcomes for a player on gaming apparatus which includes a symbol display area, the method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) the gaming apparatus selecting symbols from amongst a         predefined set of symbols, and displaying them on the symbol         display area;     -   (b) the gaming apparatus indicating a win if the symbol display         area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a winning         combination according to preselected rules;     -   (c) the gaming apparatus indicating the possibility to purchase         a substitute symbol; and     -   (d) when a substitute symbol purchasing opportunity is         indicated, and the player elects to purchase substitute symbols,         the gaming apparatus arranging for insertion of one or more         purchased substitute symbols into the symbol display area;

wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereinafter be described in greater detail by reference to the attached drawings which show example forms of the invention. It is to be understood that the particularity of those drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a gaming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of various elements of the gaming apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of various control components used to control operation of the gaming apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a display area of gaming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing steps involved in the operation of a first embodiment of the gaming apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows the display area of FIG. 4 with the Free Substitute Bonus indication activated.

FIG. 7 shows the display area of FIG. 6 with available substitute symbols shown during a bonus substitute period.

FIG. 8 shows the display area of FIG. 6 with substitute symbols applied.

FIG. 9 shows the display area of FIG. 8 with two winning combinations highlighted.

FIG. 10 shows the display area of FIG. 7 with the substitute symbols applied as an extra column or “bonus reel”.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing steps involved in the operation of a second embodiment of the gaming apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown generally a gaming apparatus 100 including various standard components, such as a controller 200 for controlling the operation of the gaming apparatus 100 and the games run on it, a coin/token/card input 202 for receiving bets, a coin/token/card output 204 for paying out winnings, a display 206 for displaying game screens, and user inputs 208 for allowing user interaction, which may include e.g. buttons 210 and which may e.g. be provided as part of the display 206 in a touch-screen type manner.

The gaming apparatus 100 may be a stand-alone machine. It may also be networked with other gaming apparatuses and/or a control centre via a suitable communications network 212, such as a LAN and/or WAN, in order to play networked (e.g. intranet or Internet) games, such as a linked jackpot.

In use, the gaming apparatus 100 will display an initial gaming screen on the display 206. A player will insert coins, tokens and/or a payment card into the input 202, and will press a button 210 to initiate play. How matters then proceed will depend on the type of game being played. For example, in a slot machine-type game, the gaming apparatus will display virtual reels of symbols, and will spin and stop these reels in various win and lose symbol combinations on a payline in accordance with a stored gaming algorithm and random number generator. The player may interact with the machine via the buttons 210, so as e.g. to spin or hold reels, or to obtain and throw away cards. Whatever game is played, a common element will be win events, e.g. particular symbol or card combinations, that pay out a prize or jackpot.

The controller 200 includes a processor 214, a main memory 216 for storing a series of computer program instructions to cause the processor 212 to carry out a desired sequence of operations, a secondary memory 218 for storing data generated during operation of the gaming apparatus 100, an input/output module 220 to enable command and data signals to be communicated between the controller 200 and the other elements shown in FIG. 2, and a communications bus 222 to enable communication between the processor 214, main memory 216, secondary memory 218 and input/output module 220.

As shown in FIG. 3, the series of computer program instructions stored in the main memory 216 may includes a number of components, such as a symbol selection component 300, a win indicating component 302, a bonus indicating component 304, a substitute symbol insertion component 306, a stake selection component 308 and a symbol purchasing component 310.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a display area of gaming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. The display area includes a symbol display area, which displays a plurality of symbols—in this case, a matrix of 3 rows by 5 columns, representing 5 reels each displaying 3 symbols.

As seen in FIG. 5, when a player initiates a “spin” on the gaming apparatus by pulling a lever, pressing a button, touching a screen, or some other suitable means, the symbol selection component 300 selects symbols at step 500 from amongst a predefined set of symbols and arranges for them to be displayed on the symbol display area 224 at step 502. In operation, each column illustrated in FIG. 4 simulates the appearance of a rotating reel with a number of different symbols on the outside of the reel, and the reel eventually comes to a stop at a random position in its rotation, displaying three symbols.

In this particular game, a “win” occurs when four or five adjacent symbols in a row on the symbol display area are identical. When such an event is detected at step 504 an event, the win-indicating component 302, which may include visual and aural signals, indicates at step 506 that a win has occurred. It will be appreciated that there are numerous different possible rules for determining whether a pattern of symbols includes a “winning combination”; for example, wins might occur if a given number of adjacent symbols have matching colours or are in numeric sequence, or if a given number of the same symbol appear regardless of location on the symbol display area.

The bonus-indicating component 304, indicates a bonus substitute period when the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a bonus-triggering combination according to preselected rules. In the present example, the three “T” symbols appearing in FIG. 4 (highlighted in boxes with a thick border) in this instance represent triggers which trigger a “bonus substitute period” which last for a predetermined number of “spins”, such as ten “spins”.

When a bonus triggering combination is detected at step 508, the bonus-indicating component 304 may indicate a bonus period at step 510 in any suitable manner, which may include visual and aural signals. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the bonus-indicating component is a shaded box labelled “Free Substitute Bonus”. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the bonus-indicating component also shows the substitute symbols which will be used at step 512, thereby enhancing the immediacy of the substitute experience. The symbols shown at the right hand side can be made to “fly in” to their substituted positions, thus making the gaming experience more immediate.

The substitute symbol insertion component 306, arranges for insertion of one or more substitute symbols into the symbol display area at step 514 when a bonus substitute period is indicated. In the example given in FIGS. 6 and 8, three substitute symbols (each designated by the letter “S”) are inserted to replace the second column in the matrix of FIG. 2, creating the matrix pattern of FIG. 8.

The insertion of the substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win. In the case illustrated in FIG. 8, each of the “S” symbols functions as a wildcard, so that, as indicated by the boxes with thick outlines in FIG. 9, this results in two “winning” patterns, namely the top row which includes “A S A A”, and the bottom row which includes “K S K K K”. As the symbol “S” functions as a wildcard, these patterns are equivalent to “A A A A” and “K K K K K”. Four or five identical adjacent symbols in a row on the symbol display area constitute a winning pattern, according to the rules predefined for the game. If a wining combination is detected at step 516, the win indicating component 302 indicates at step 518 that a win has occurred.

An alternative to the use of substitute symbols as replacements of existing symbols, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, is the use of substitute symbols as an extra reel, forming an extra column in the matrix as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the extra column of “S” symbols results in a pattern of “K K K S” appearing in the bottom row, which is equivalent to a winning pattern of four adjacent “K”s.

Although the examples show three substitute symbols inserted in a single row, it will be appreciated that the invention can work with any suitable number of substitute symbols, and the symbols need not fill an entire row or column. The substitute symbols can have any suitable value; they do not have to be “wildcard” symbols.

The stake selection component 308 which enables a player to set a stake for each game. As the chances of winning a game during a bonus substitute period are higher than for a normal game, this permits a player to select a higher stake when a bonus substitute period is indicated.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a symbol display showing three trigger symbols (“T”s) constitutes a bonus-triggering pattern. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable pattern may be defined as a bonus-triggering pattern. For example, there may be no special bonus-triggering symbols; instead particular combinations of other symbols (not being combinations which constitute “wins”) may constitute a bonus-triggering pattern. Further, a bonus period may be extended if a further bonus-triggering pattern occurs during the bonus period.

The length of the bonus substitute period may be a period of time, but more preferably it is a number of “spins”, and it can be determined by one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) the number of trigger symbols in the symbol display area     -   (b) the arrangement of trigger symbols in the symbol display         area     -   (c) a trigger symbol and a multiplier symbol in the symbol         display area     -   (d) the amount of a stake wagered in respect of a win.

As seen in FIG. 5, the substitute symbol insertion component 306 may be adapted to check at step 520 whether the bonus substitute period has expired before allowing the insertion of substitute symbols.

Just as the length of the bonus substitute period may be variable, so the number of substitute symbols available for use in the substitute period may be variable. The number of substitute symbols available during a bonus substitute period may be determined by one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) the number of trigger symbols in the symbol display area     -   (b) the arrangement of trigger symbols in the symbol display         area     -   (c) a trigger symbol and a multiplier symbol in the symbol         display area     -   (d) the amount of a stake wagered in respect of a win.

FIG. 11 shows a series of steps carried out by the gaming apparatus 100 in an alternative embodiment to that shown on FIG. 5. In FIG. 11, steps 1110 to 1106 are identical to steps 500 to 506 in FIG. 5.

The symbol-purchasing component 310 may be provided, either in addition to the bonus-indicating component 304 or as a replacement thereof. In any event, the symbol-purchasing component 310 enables a player to purchase one or more substitute symbols at step 1108. Having purchased one or more substitute symbols (and optionally having those symbols displayed at step 1110), the player may then insert the substitute symbols into the symbol display at step 1112. If a winning combination is detected at step 1114, the win indicating component 302 indicates that a win has occurred at step 1116.

Clearly, there will be a cost associated with the purchase of symbols if a player elects this particular option. The cost of purchasing one or more symbols will most likely be decided by the designers and manufacturers of the gaming apparatus and the cost could be as little as one cent or any amount greater and may even exceed the total stake for the particular game.

The step of inserting substitute symbols into the symbol display may be done automatically by the gaming apparatus 100 at random, in a random column, or in a manner designed to optimise the player's chances of winning the game. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the row of substitute symbols has been inserted in the position which best optimises the wins.

As an alternative, the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area may be done manually by the player, and it may be up to the player to choose the optimum place for insertion. Depending on the rules selected for playing the game, the substitute symbols may be inserted as a column or as separate entries.

It will be appreciated that various alterations, additions and/or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit and ambit of the invention. 

1. Gaming apparatus including: (a) a symbol display area, which displays a plurality of symbols; (b) a symbol selection component, which selects symbols from amongst a predefined set of symbols, and arranges for them to be displayed on the symbol display area; (c) a win-indicating component, which indicates a win when the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a winning combination according to preselected rules; (d) a bonus-indicating component, which indicates a bonus substitute period when the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a bonus-triggering combination according to preselected rules; (e) a substitute symbol insertion component, which arranges for insertion of one or more substitute symbols into the symbol display area when a bonus substitute period is indicated; wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win.
 2. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1 further including a stake selection component thus providing the option for a player to set a higher stake when a bonus substitute period is indicated.
 3. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a bonus-triggering combination consists of one or more trigger symbols, and the length of the bonus substitute period is determined by one or more of the following: (a) the number of trigger symbols in the symbol display area (b) the arrangement of trigger symbols in the symbol display area (c) a trigger symbol and a multiplier symbol in the symbol display area (d) the amount of a stake wagered in respect of a win.
 4. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a bonus-triggering combination consists of one or more trigger symbols, and the number of substitute symbols available during a bonus substitute period is determined by one or more of the following: (a) the number of trigger symbols in the symbol display area (b) the arrangement of trigger symbols in the symbol display area (c) a trigger symbol and a multiplier symbol in the symbol display area (d) the amount of a stake wagered in respect of a win.
 5. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the symbols appearing in the symbol display area are arranged in rows and columns, and when substitute symbols are inserted, they fill one or more symbol locations.
 6. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the one or more substitute symbols are shown outside the symbol display area during a bonus substitute period and appear to fly into the symbol display area when a pattern of symbols is displayed.
 7. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the substitute symbols are added as an extra column to the columns displayed in the symbol display area.
 8. A method of processing win outcomes for a player on gaming apparatus which includes a symbol display area, the method including the steps of: (a) the gaming apparatus selecting symbols from amongst a predefined set of symbols, and displaying them on the symbol display area; (b) the gaming apparatus indicating a win if the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a winning combination according to preselected rules; (c) the gaming apparatus indicating a bonus substitute period if the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a bonus-triggering combination according to preselected rules; and (d) when a bonus substitute period is indicated, the gaming apparatus arranging for insertion of one or more substitute symbols into the symbol display area; wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win.
 9. Gaming apparatus including: (a) a symbol display area, which displays a plurality of symbols; (b) a symbol selection component, which selects symbols from amongst a predefined set of symbols, and arranges for them to be displayed on the symbol display area; (c) a win-indicating component, which indicates a win when the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a winning combination according to preselected rules; (d) a symbol-purchasing component, which indicates that one or more substitute symbols may be purchased; (e) a substitute symbol insertion component, which arranges for insertion of one or more substitute symbols into the symbol display area when a substitute symbol has been purchased; wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win.
 10. A method of processing win outcomes for a player on gaming apparatus which includes a symbol display area, the method including the steps of: (a) the gaming apparatus selecting symbols from amongst a predefined set of symbols, and displaying them on the symbol display area; (b) the gaming apparatus indicating a win if the symbol display area displays a pattern of symbols which includes a winning combination according to preselected rules; (c) the gaming apparatus indicating the possibility to purchase a substitute symbol; and (d) when a substitute symbol purchasing opportunity is indicated, and the player elects to purchase substitute symbols, the gaming apparatus arranging for insertion of one or more purchased substitute symbols into the symbol display area; wherein the insertion of substitute symbols into the symbol display area improves the probability of a win. 